Wednesday, October 25, 2000

The winner of this award goes to the best soccer-focused or soccer-friendly bar in the United States, showing the full gamut of games from the EPL, MLS, USL and internationals from across the globe.

THE FINALISTS:Beef ‘O’ Brady's (Tampa, Fla.) Not necessarily known as a soccer bar, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s got numerous nominations from folks in the Tampa area. Beef is more than happy to open its doors early on the weekends to watch European matches, shows all televised MLS games and piles in the fans for U.S. Soccer matches.

Brewhouse Café (Atlanta, Ga.) Self-proclaimed as Atlanta’s only international sports bar, the Brewhouse Café not only shows U.S. and MLS matches, but also games from leagues around the world.

British Bulldog (Denver, Colo.)Opening early on Saturdays and Sundays for live English Premier League matches, the British Bulldog is considered Denver’s most authentic British Pub.

Dark Horse Pub (Philadelphia)As one U.S. fan pointed out in his nomination, the Dark Horse Pub is the best place in Philly to watch soccer because it opens its doors early for overseas games and never hesitates to put on the volume for the USA games at night.

Ginger's Ale House (Chicago)The winner of the past four “Best Bar” awards, Ginger’s has more than thirty televisions and two giant screens in the main bar and party room. Considered one of the best bars in the Windy City to watch soccer, will they earn their fifth award and once again be crowned the best in the U.S.?

The Globe (Chicago)The home bar to the Chicago Fire, The Globe is considered the place to catch all games away from Toyota Park. We can also tell you a certain L.A. Galaxy player took in some MLS games at the Globe when he was in town.

Nevada Smith’s (New York City)“Where football is religion!” That’s the theme at Nevada Smith’s, which blends New York panache and Irish hospitality to provide live football and a home away from home for fans.

Shakespeare Pub & Grille (San Diego, Calif.)One ussoccer.com fan called Shakespeare “quite possibly the closest you’ll get to an English pub in California and a great place to watch any and every soccer match.”

Summers Grill & Sports Bar (Arlington, Va.)The inaugural winner of ussoccer.com’s “Best Bar” award in 2002, Summers has been providing a great atmosphere to watch soccer for more than 20 years. One of the pioneers in satellite sports entertainment, Summers has “multiple TVs, wide screens and a high fidelity sound system for total audio and video pleasure.”

The Three Lions Club (Charleston, S.C.)The Three Lions Club stands out from all the other nominees due to its location. A traditional English-style pub located in Blackbaud Stadium, home of the Charleston Battery, Three Lions Pub is the place to be before, after and even during games.

AOTY Finalists Nomination Criteria

Athlete of the Year (Male and Female)
The Athlete of the Year should be voted on the basis of:

Competing and excelling at the highest level (both at the National Team level and the professional level) during the calendar year

Exhibiting decorum on and off the field which reflects well on U.S. Soccer

Contributing toward the growth, development, credibility and popularization of soccer in the United States.

Young Athlete of the Year (Male and Female)
This award is designed to highlight a young, up-and-coming player, who has excelled at the Youth National Team level for U.S. Soccer within the last calendar year. The award should be voted on the basis of:

Competing and excelling at the Youth National Team level (as well as the professional or collegiate level) during the calendar year, including appearing in at least one international match for a U.S. youth national team in the calendar year

Exhibiting decorum on and off the field which reflects well on U.S. Soccer,

Contributing toward the growth, development, credibility and popularization of soccer in the United States

Displaying potential to succeed at a high standard in the years to come.

Note: An athlete can only win this award once in their career. (Jozy Altidore won in 2006 and Freddy Adu won in 2003)

About "Best of U.S. Soccer" Awards

Started in 2002, U.S. Soccer’s “Best of” awards honor the standout performances on and off the field during the calendar year in American soccer. Fans are given the opportunity to nominate candidates for a handful of the award categories, and then hand out the honors by voting on-line at ussoccer.com. In all, the “Best of” series has handed out 54 awards out to soccer players, bars, stores and even fans in the United States over the past fiver years (check out the list of winner’s here).